Course summary
Poor mental health affects a wide range of factors including our physical health, our relationships and our desire to take part in the world around us. Research highlights that poor mental health is an inevitable consequence of inequalities, adverse childhood experiences and trauma. How can we best respond to people whose lives are most affected by these factors? What are the key challenges faced by mental health service users and service providers? Students will learn about the importance of trauma-informed responses and responses that empower and support an individual in realizing their capabilities. We will explore the debates about diagnostic systems; dependence on the use of medications and the scarcity of talking therapies for people in mental distress. How can we better plan for an inclusive mental health system that ensures there is no health without mental health? The MSc in Mental Health will provide structured learning to support the development of informed, inclusive and skilled practitioners and researchers. The course does not lead to a professional qualification (such as nursing, or counselling) but it does equip you for employment and progression in the mental health field. It would also benefit anyone likely to encounter people with mental health problems in the course of their daily work (e.g. housing officers, teachers, advice workers). The course covers current issues in mental health provision both in the UK and in a wider international context. You will benefit from an exciting and challenging educational experience provided by academics, practitioners and service users. Everyone contributing to the programme has expertise in some aspect of mental health, either through personal experience, research or work experience. We make use of a blended learning approach so that students can continue their learning outside the classroom. Learning and teaching includes interactive seminars and lectures, self- directed learning, presentations and discussions. Successful completion of each stage of the course could lead to either an MSc, PGDip or PGCert award.
Modules
The course will lead you through a sequence of modules that build up your knowledge and skills. You can exit the programme at various stages to obtain the awards of PGCert, PG Dip or MSc. The programme is made up of Core and optional modules. The core modules are compulsory and will ensure that your award reflects the key knowledge and skills needed to respond to effectively to people in mental distress.
Assessment method
The assessments accommodate a broad range of learning styles and have been selected to enhance your capacity to apply theory to practice. Assessment activities include case studies, presentations, and essays. There are three points in the year when assignments are due in for marking. For modules taken in the first trimester assignments will be due for hand in early January. For modules taken in the second trimester work will be due in early May. Modules undertaken in the third trimester will be due in early August. You may be required to hand in plans or sections of an assignment during a trimester to help you prepare for the formal assignment. The full MSc Mental Health award is made of 180 credits. Each module carries 20 credits with the exception of the 40 or 60 credit bearing Dissertation/Project.
Entry requirements
You should normally hold a good honours degree at 2.2 or above, which is defined as a first class or second class honours degree, in a relevant subject discipline. See further entry requirements for alternative entry criteria.
Fees and funding
Tuition fees
| England | £9535* | Year 1 |
| Northern Ireland | £9535* | Year 1 |
| Scotland | £9535* | Year 1 |
| Wales | £9535* | Year 1 |
| Channel Islands | £9535* | Year 1 |
| Republic of Ireland | £9535* | Year 1 |
*This is a provisional fee and subject to change.
Tuition fee status depends on a number of criteria and varies according to where in the UK you will study. For further guidance on the criteria for home or overseas tuition fees, please refer to the UKCISA website .
Additional fee information
The fees above are for the 2025/26 academic year but may be subject to change following any announcements by the UK Government (approved by Parliament) regarding maximum Undergraduate tuition fee caps for 2025/26.
In addition, the University reserves the right to increase all full-time and part-time Undergraduate tuition fees mid-course, in line with any further inflationary increase in the Government tuition fee cap which is approved by Parliament. The University will publish information about any changes to tuition fees on its website.
International Tuition Fees (including EU fees): To be confirmed
Undergraduate tuition fees for International students are not subject to the Government’s regulations on maximum tuition fees.
Provider information
Canterbury Christ Church University
North Holmes Road
Canterbury
CT1 1QU